Detroit X Games Bid Organizers Holding Free Street Party To Wow ESPN

The organizers of the Detroit's Summer X Games bid are holding a gnarly street party Tuesday to make a splash with ESPN representatives in town on a site selection visit.

The X Games is a competition that features extreme sports like skateboarding and motocross. ESPN is now considering Detroit among four finalists to host the Summer X games from 2014 to 2016. The other finalists are Chicago, Austin, and Charlotte, N.C.

Organizers are calling on the public to turn out at the event to support their efforts to wow the sports network.

"Why tell them why the X Games belong in Detroit when we can SHOW them," reads a Facebook post for Tuesday's event.

The street party will feature DJ sets by Detroit's Ryan Richards and the Beastie Boys' Mix Master Mike, food trucks, a live graffiti competition and an open invite for folks to bring their skateboards and bikes to join in the fun. All ages are welcome at the free event, which kicks off at Campus Martius in downtown Detroit at 8 p.m.

For those looking at the gloomy sky with trepidation, the best advice is to wear a good rain coat. As they say on the event page:

"Wait, what is the backup plan for tonight if it rains?"

"It's a lot like the original plan, just a little bit more wet."

Proceeds from merchandise sold at the get-together will benefit a BMX bike park in Detroit's Brush Park neighborhood. For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.